Dominic Raab: New sanctions show the UK "won't look the other way" on human rights

• Mr Raab told MPs of plans to introduce a sanctions regime similar to the Magnitsky Act in the US, which authorised the government to freeze the assets and ban people from entering the country who were seen as human rights offenders.
• Previously, the UK had followed the sanctions regimes of the EU and UN.
• This new plan follows the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 in establishing a post-Brexit regime for dealing with human rights offenders.

Dominic Raab: "crystal clear"

• Dominic Raabtold the Housethat he first raised this issue in a Backbench Business Debate in 2012.
• He called it a "cross-party issue", and thanked colleagues "from all sides of the House" who joined him in supporting the cause.
• The sanctions give the Government the right to freeze bank accounts and ban individuals from entering the country.
• The Foreign Secretary said this included both state officials and non-state actors, such as kleptocrats or organised criminals.
• Mr Raab said he would work with global organisations and governments, including the US, Canada, Australia and the EU.

Lisa Nandy: "a long and difficult journey"

• Responding on behalf of the Government/Opposition, Lisa Nandy said she welcomed the statement and that it had been a "long and difficult journey" to persuade the Government to introduce these sanctions.
• Ms Nandy said that "for too long" the UK had acted as a "haven" for those whogain from human rights abuses and corruption, adding that she hoped today would send a "strong message" that they are not welcome here.
• The Shadow Minister paid tribute to Sergei Magnitsky and his family, who she said had waited "far too long" for these regulations.
• She asked for this to be immediately resolved, and pointed out that the USA and Canada had already included corruption in their scope.
• The Member/Minister of State said/told MPs/stated:
  "Today is the day we stand up against corruption, dirty money and for our values with the full support of this House."